FEATURED ARTICLE
The Hardest Part of Estate Planning Isn’t the Paperwork
Most people think estate planning is about documents. Wills. Trusts. Powers of attorney. Beneficiary forms. Sign here. Initial there.
Your Estate Plan Doesn’t Know You’re Getting Divorced
Filing for divorce doesn’t change your estate plan. Your soon-to-be-ex may still hold medical, financial, and inheritance rights until you update it.
WA State Supreme Court Authorizes Legata to Deliver Legal Services.
First-of-its-kind authorization positions Legata to address a significant gap in access to estate planning legal services for Washington families
First Entity Authorized to Provide Legal Services in Innovative Pilot Project
The Washington Supreme Court (Court) today authorized the first participant in its Entity Regulation Pilot Project, which is a time-bound, data-driven study to determine if new service models—that are not allowed under current regulations—can meaningfully expand access to legal services while protecting consumers.
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Your Estate Plan Doesn’t Know You’re Getting Divorced
Filing for divorce doesn’t change your estate plan. Your soon-to-be-ex may still hold medical, financial, and inheritance rights until you update it.
WA State Supreme Court Authorizes Legata to Deliver Legal Services.
First-of-its-kind authorization positions Legata to address a significant gap in access to estate planning legal services for Washington families
First Entity Authorized to Provide Legal Services in Innovative Pilot Project
The Washington Supreme Court (Court) today authorized the first participant in its Entity Regulation Pilot Project, which is a time-bound, data-driven study to determine if new service models—that are not allowed under current regulations—can meaningfully expand access to legal services while protecting consumers.
Inside WA’s Bet on Regulated Innovation: Legata Wins First Supreme Court Authorization
Under a WSBA-vetted compliance officer and quarterly bar reporting, Legata becomes the first company authorized to deliver estate planning legal services under Washington’s new regulatory pilot.
Considering “Moving Out” of Washington to avoid Estate Tax?
In my line of work, I frequently hear from people who want to keep a home in Washington but not be a Washington resident because they’re concerned about the Washington state tax environment. Washington has no state income tax, but it does have an excise tax on capital gains, and one of the most expansive estate tax programs in the nation.
Estate Planning Review Before Travel
Travel planning typically includes arranging flights, accommodations, and excursions; creating itineraries, and purchasing travel insurance. Yet one of the most important forms of preparation is often overlooked: reviewing and completing an estate plan before departure.
The Hardest Part of Estate Planning Isn’t the Paperwork
Most people think estate planning is about documents. Wills. Trusts. Powers of attorney. Beneficiary forms. Sign here. Initial there.
The Hidden Estate Tax Trap for Massachusetts Couples
Every person can pass on a certain amount of their estate tax-free when they die. That’s the estate tax exemption. Anything under it? Not taxed. Anything over it? Potentially taxed. Straightforward so far.
California Probate is the Hefty Cost Often Overlooked
In California, all assets that do not have a built-in transfer mechanism defined at death (real estate, personal property without prearranged transfer, financial accounts without a beneficiary, business interests, etc.) are subject to probate. In California, probate is not just a formality. It is a court-supervised process that is expensive, time-consuming, and completely avoidable with the right planning.
The Hidden Estate Tax Trap for Washington Couples
Most couples in Washington (and similar states) lose a major tax benefit without ever realizing it. Here’s how a properly drafted joint revocable Trust protects both spouses’ exemptions, and keeps more of your wealth in the family instead of the state’s coffers.
Legacy Is More Than Wealth. What Will You Leave Behind?
When people think about legacy, they often think about assets. But real legacy is about meaning: how you’re remembered, what you stood for, and the impact you had on the people around you.
Unlocking More Value in Life Insurance:
Life insurance has long played a central role in estate planning, even for individuals who have not yet executed a will or established a trust. It provides immediate liquidity to beneficiaries, helping cover everyday financial obligations such as mortgages, car payments, health care, education, even groceries, in the event of an untimely death. It can also fund business succession arrangements and support families through complex financial transitions.
Highest Priority but not Urgent???
Everybody dies. We all know this. But the timing is utterly unpredictable. And sometimes it comes with little or no warning. It’s human nature to presume your death is a long way down the road, so, putting off formalizing your intentions seems reasonable. Especially if you believe that creating a plan is going to be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive.
Trustee vs. Executor: Who does what after you’re gone?
Estate plans come with titles that sound interchangeable, until they’re not. Trustees and executors both manage assets, but they operate in completely different lanes. Understanding who does what is crucial to building a strong estate plan.
The Quiet Shift Reshaping Legal Services
A quiet but meaningful shift is underway in the legal industry. States are beginning to rethink who can deliver legal services and how those services reach people. The goal isn’t to replace lawyers. It’s to close the gap between those who need help and those who can actually access it.
Choosing a Trustee for Your Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Choosing a Trustee for your ILIT isn’t a “fill in the blank and move on” decision. This person (or institution) will have administrative responsibilities immediately and will control how your life insurance is managed long after you’re gone. Here’s what actually matters when picking the right one.
Power of Attorney “Superpowers” Why They’re a Lifesaver—and a Potential Landmine
A Power of Attorney is simple on paper, but powerful in practice. It can keep life moving when you cannot, or create problems just as quickly if the wrong person is in charge.
Happy Eighteenth Birthday! Why Every 18-Year-Old Should Have a Power of Attorney
Turning 18 comes with new freedom, but it also creates a gap most people do not see coming. Once you are legally an adult, even your parents cannot step in to help without the right documents in place.
Credit Shelter Trusts: The No-Nonsense Breakdown
A Credit Shelter Trust helps married couples preserve more wealth, reduce estate taxes, and keep greater control over how assets pass to the next generation. It is a powerful way to protect a legacy from unnecessary tax exposure while still providing for a surviving spouse.
Don’t Start Your Estate Plan Yet
Five decisions to make before you sit down to create your legacy documents
Accidental Inheritance: When Forgotten Paperwork Overrides Your Estate Plan
Most people assume their will or trust determines who inherits their assets. In reality, many accounts follow a different set of instructions entirely: the name listed on the account. When those designations are outdated or forgotten, the result can be accidental inheritance.
The Costly Life Insurance Mistake Many Estate Plans Miss
Life insurance is often viewed as a simple, tax-free way to pass wealth to the next generation. Because policies usually pay directly to beneficiaries, many people assume the proceeds automatically stay outside their estate. But that assumption can be misleading. In reality, whether life insurance avoids probate and estate taxes depends on how the policy is owned and structured, not just who receives the money.
Powers of Attorney 101: Who Steps Up When You’re Down?
Life can change quickly. If illness, injury, or another unexpected event leaves you unable to make decisions, who steps in to handle your healthcare or finances? Powers of attorney allow you to choose someone you trust to act on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are followed and important matters don’t fall through the cracks. Understanding how these documents work is a key step in protecting yourself and your family.
Estate Planning Should be a Part of Divorce Planning
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, emotionally and financially. In the midst of legal and personal changes, it’s easy to overlook your estate plan. But without updates, outdated documents may still give a soon-to-be former spouse authority or financial benefits that no longer reflect your wishes. Reviewing your estate plan during and after divorce helps protect your interests and ensure your decisions align with your new circumstances.
Inheritance: A Blessing, Not a Retirement Plan
Let’s say the quiet part out loud. In more families than anyone admits, there’s an assumption floating in the background: There will be something someday. A house. Investment accounts. Maybe a business. And over time, appreciation subtly turns into expectation.
Thoughtful Estate Planning Protects You While You’re Alive
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. It’s about protecting yourself while you’re still here. The right plan puts trusted decision-makers in place, keeps your finances out of court if you’re incapacitated, ensures your medical wishes are honored, and reduces the risk of family conflict. It’s not about death. It’s about control, clarity, and protection. Starting now.
Why All Parents Should Have a Will
If you’re a parent, having an estate plan isn’t optional. It’s essential. This article breaks down what can happen when parents pass without one and the key steps you can take now to protect your children’s future.
Legata Achieves SOC 2 Type II Compliance
Seattle, WA April 1, 2020 — Legata, Inc., whose modern estate planning platform combines AI-powered efficiency with expert legal oversight, today announced it has successfully achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance, a significant milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to data security, availability, confidentiality, and operational excellence.
Legata Achieves CCPA Compliance, Advancing Consumer Privacy and Data Transparency
Seattle, WA Feb 26, 2026 — Legata Inc. today announced it has achieved compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), further strengthening its commitment to transparency, user control, and responsible data practices.
Legata Achieves HIPAA Compliance, Strengthening Safeguards for Sensitive Personal and Health Information
Seattle, WA Feb 26, 2026 — Legata, Inc. today announced it has achieved HIPAA compliance, reinforcing its commitment to protecting sensitive personal and health-related information as part of its estate planning platform.
Tax Strategies For Gifting Valuable Assets
Deciding whether to give assets to family while you’re living or pass them on after you’re gone can have major tax and planning implications. This article explains the key tradeoffs to help you choose wisely.
What Is a Pour-Over Will (and Why You Probably Need One)
A Pour-Over Will is the quiet workhorse of many estate plans. It doesn’t get the spotlight, but it makes sure everything you own ends up where it’s supposed to – inside your Trust. Here’s how it works.
The Executor’s Role: The Toughest Job No One Talks About
Think being an executor is just about handing out inheritances? Think again. It’s one of the toughest, most overlooked jobs in estate planning. And the one that can make or break your legacy.
Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Rich
Estate planning isn’t about wealth—it’s about control. Whether you own a home, a savings account, or just want to make life easier for your family, a solid plan ensures your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.
Choosing Guardians for Your Children: Getting It Right
It’s one of the hardest things for any parent to think about: who would raise your kids if you couldn’t? As tough as it is, naming a guardian is one of the most important parts of your estate plan—and one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
Busting Estate Planning Myths: What You’ve Been Told (and Why It’s Wrong)
Some people think that estate planning is a need exclusive to the ultra-wealthy; others think it stops once they’ve written their will. The truth? It’s actually a key move for anyone who wants control over what happens to their stuff, and their family, after they’re gone. With so many myths swirling around, people don’t always take estate planning seriously. Let’s set the record straight.
Build Your Estate Plan Like You Mean It
A strong estate plan isn’t about paperwork. It’s about clarity, care, and control. Here’s how to create one that keeps your wishes clear and your loved ones protected.
Your Legacy, Your Rules: Who Gets What (And Why)
Most people assume their money and assets should go straight to family. But legacy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The truth is, you can design yours however you want—family, friends, charities, even your business. Here’s how to decide who really deserves a spot in your plan.
Who Do You Trust With Your Legacy?
Even the best estate plan can fall apart if the wrong people are in charge. The executor, trustee, and guardian you choose will determine whether your plan runs smoothly—or turns into chaos. Here’s how to get those choices right.
When Estate Plans Go Stale (and How to Keep Yours Fresh)
Estate plans aren’t “set it and forget it.” Life changes, laws change, and your old documents can quietly stop doing their job. Here’s why your plan might already be outdated—and how to keep it alive and working for you.
Estate Planning: The Ultimate Gift To Your Loved Ones
Estate planning isn’t about money or paperwork—it’s about people. A clear plan gives your loved ones direction when they need it most and keeps stress and confusion out of an already hard time. Think of it as one final act of love: leaving order instead of chaos.
What’s an ILIT and Why Should You Care?
An ILIT (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust) may sound intimidating, but it’s a powerful way to ensure your loved ones have liquid assets to cover expenses like mortgages, education, and estate taxes after your death. Without it, they might be forced to sell valuable assets at the wrong time. Life insurance held in an ILIT provides tax-free liquidity, preventing estate taxes from reducing the benefit.
No Will? No Trust? No Clue.
No one likes to think about dying, but the real risk lies in not planning for it. If you pass away without an estate plan, state laws, not you, decide what happens to your assets, your kids, and your legacy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what can happen when there’s no plan in place
Let’s Talk About the Future
Opening up about your estate plan might feel daunting, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations you can have with your loved ones. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why it matters, when to have the talk, and how to approach it in a way that brings clarity, connection, and peace of mind for the entire family.
Estate Planning Review Before Travel
Travel planning typically includes arranging flights, accommodations, and excursions; creating itineraries, and purchasing travel insurance. Yet one of the most important forms of preparation is often overlooked: reviewing and completing an estate plan before departure.
The Hardest Part of Estate Planning Isn’t the Paperwork
Most people think estate planning is about documents. Wills. Trusts. Powers of attorney. Beneficiary forms. Sign here. Initial there.
Thoughtful Estate Planning Protects You While You’re Alive
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you’re gone. It’s about protecting yourself while you’re still here. The right plan puts trusted decision-makers in place, keeps your finances out of court if you’re incapacitated, ensures your medical wishes are honored, and reduces the risk of family conflict. It’s not about death. It’s about control, clarity, and protection. Starting now.
Why Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Rich
Estate planning isn’t about wealth—it’s about control. Whether you own a home, a savings account, or just want to make life easier for your family, a solid plan ensures your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.
Busting Estate Planning Myths: What You’ve Been Told (and Why It’s Wrong)
Some people think that estate planning is a need exclusive to the ultra-wealthy; others think it stops once they’ve written their will. The truth? It’s actually a key move for anyone who wants control over what happens to their stuff, and their family, after they’re gone. With so many myths swirling around, people don’t always take estate planning seriously. Let’s set the record straight.
Build Your Estate Plan Like You Mean It
A strong estate plan isn’t about paperwork. It’s about clarity, care, and control. Here’s how to create one that keeps your wishes clear and your loved ones protected.
When Estate Plans Go Stale (and How to Keep Yours Fresh)
Estate plans aren’t “set it and forget it.” Life changes, laws change, and your old documents can quietly stop doing their job. Here’s why your plan might already be outdated—and how to keep it alive and working for you.
No Will? No Trust? No Clue.
No one likes to think about dying, but the real risk lies in not planning for it. If you pass away without an estate plan, state laws, not you, decide what happens to your assets, your kids, and your legacy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what can happen when there’s no plan in place
Let’s Talk About the Future
Opening up about your estate plan might feel daunting, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations you can have with your loved ones. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why it matters, when to have the talk, and how to approach it in a way that brings clarity, connection, and peace of mind for the entire family.
Trustee vs. Executor: Who does what after you’re gone?
Estate plans come with titles that sound interchangeable, until they’re not. Trustees and executors both manage assets, but they operate in completely different lanes. Understanding who does what is crucial to building a strong estate plan.
Choosing a Trustee for Your Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Choosing a Trustee for your ILIT isn’t a “fill in the blank and move on” decision. This person (or institution) will have administrative responsibilities immediately and will control how your life insurance is managed long after you’re gone. Here’s what actually matters when picking the right one.
Powers of Attorney 101: Who Steps Up When You’re Down?
Life can change quickly. If illness, injury, or another unexpected event leaves you unable to make decisions, who steps in to handle your healthcare or finances? Powers of attorney allow you to choose someone you trust to act on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are followed and important matters don’t fall through the cracks. Understanding how these documents work is a key step in protecting yourself and your family.
The Executor’s Role: The Toughest Job No One Talks About
Think being an executor is just about handing out inheritances? Think again. It’s one of the toughest, most overlooked jobs in estate planning. And the one that can make or break your legacy.
Choosing Guardians for Your Children: Getting It Right
It’s one of the hardest things for any parent to think about: who would raise your kids if you couldn’t? As tough as it is, naming a guardian is one of the most important parts of your estate plan—and one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
Your Estate Plan Doesn’t Know You’re Getting Divorced
Filing for divorce doesn’t change your estate plan. Your soon-to-be-ex may still hold medical, financial, and inheritance rights until you update it.
Considering “Moving Out” of Washington to avoid Estate Tax?
In my line of work, I frequently hear from people who want to keep a home in Washington but not be a Washington resident because they’re concerned about the Washington state tax environment. Washington has no state income tax, but it does have an excise tax on capital gains, and one of the most expansive estate tax programs in the nation.
The Hidden Estate Tax Trap for Massachusetts Couples
Every person can pass on a certain amount of their estate tax-free when they die. That’s the estate tax exemption. Anything under it? Not taxed. Anything over it? Potentially taxed. Straightforward so far.
California Probate is the Hefty Cost Often Overlooked
In California, all assets that do not have a built-in transfer mechanism defined at death (real estate, personal property without prearranged transfer, financial accounts without a beneficiary, business interests, etc.) are subject to probate. In California, probate is not just a formality. It is a court-supervised process that is expensive, time-consuming, and completely avoidable with the right planning.
The Hidden Estate Tax Trap for Washington Couples
Most couples in Washington (and similar states) lose a major tax benefit without ever realizing it. Here’s how a properly drafted joint revocable Trust protects both spouses’ exemptions, and keeps more of your wealth in the family instead of the state’s coffers.
Unlocking More Value in Life Insurance:
Life insurance has long played a central role in estate planning, even for individuals who have not yet executed a will or established a trust. It provides immediate liquidity to beneficiaries, helping cover everyday financial obligations such as mortgages, car payments, health care, education, even groceries, in the event of an untimely death. It can also fund business succession arrangements and support families through complex financial transitions.
Don’t Start Your Estate Plan Yet
Five decisions to make before you sit down to create your legacy documents
Accidental Inheritance: When Forgotten Paperwork Overrides Your Estate Plan
Most people assume their will or trust determines who inherits their assets. In reality, many accounts follow a different set of instructions entirely: the name listed on the account. When those designations are outdated or forgotten, the result can be accidental inheritance.
The Costly Life Insurance Mistake Many Estate Plans Miss
Life insurance is often viewed as a simple, tax-free way to pass wealth to the next generation. Because policies usually pay directly to beneficiaries, many people assume the proceeds automatically stay outside their estate. But that assumption can be misleading. In reality, whether life insurance avoids probate and estate taxes depends on how the policy is owned and structured, not just who receives the money.
Estate Planning Should be a Part of Divorce Planning
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, emotionally and financially. In the midst of legal and personal changes, it’s easy to overlook your estate plan. But without updates, outdated documents may still give a soon-to-be former spouse authority or financial benefits that no longer reflect your wishes. Reviewing your estate plan during and after divorce helps protect your interests and ensure your decisions align with your new circumstances.
Inheritance: A Blessing, Not a Retirement Plan
Let’s say the quiet part out loud. In more families than anyone admits, there’s an assumption floating in the background: There will be something someday. A house. Investment accounts. Maybe a business. And over time, appreciation subtly turns into expectation.
Tax Strategies For Gifting Valuable Assets
Deciding whether to give assets to family while you’re living or pass them on after you’re gone can have major tax and planning implications. This article explains the key tradeoffs to help you choose wisely.
Legacy Is More Than Wealth. What Will You Leave Behind?
When people think about legacy, they often think about assets. But real legacy is about meaning: how you’re remembered, what you stood for, and the impact you had on the people around you.
Highest Priority but not Urgent???
Everybody dies. We all know this. But the timing is utterly unpredictable. And sometimes it comes with little or no warning. It’s human nature to presume your death is a long way down the road, so, putting off formalizing your intentions seems reasonable. Especially if you believe that creating a plan is going to be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive.
Why All Parents Should Have a Will
If you’re a parent, having an estate plan isn’t optional. It’s essential. This article breaks down what can happen when parents pass without one and the key steps you can take now to protect your children’s future.
Your Legacy, Your Rules: Who Gets What (And Why)
Most people assume their money and assets should go straight to family. But legacy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The truth is, you can design yours however you want—family, friends, charities, even your business. Here’s how to decide who really deserves a spot in your plan.
Who Do You Trust With Your Legacy?
Even the best estate plan can fall apart if the wrong people are in charge. The executor, trustee, and guardian you choose will determine whether your plan runs smoothly—or turns into chaos. Here’s how to get those choices right.
Estate Planning: The Ultimate Gift To Your Loved Ones
Estate planning isn’t about money or paperwork—it’s about people. A clear plan gives your loved ones direction when they need it most and keeps stress and confusion out of an already hard time. Think of it as one final act of love: leaving order instead of chaos.
Power of Attorney “Superpowers” Why They’re a Lifesaver—and a Potential Landmine
A Power of Attorney is simple on paper, but powerful in practice. It can keep life moving when you cannot, or create problems just as quickly if the wrong person is in charge.
Happy Eighteenth Birthday! Why Every 18-Year-Old Should Have a Power of Attorney
Turning 18 comes with new freedom, but it also creates a gap most people do not see coming. Once you are legally an adult, even your parents cannot step in to help without the right documents in place.
Credit Shelter Trusts: The No-Nonsense Breakdown
A Credit Shelter Trust helps married couples preserve more wealth, reduce estate taxes, and keep greater control over how assets pass to the next generation. It is a powerful way to protect a legacy from unnecessary tax exposure while still providing for a surviving spouse.
What Is a Pour-Over Will (and Why You Probably Need One)
A Pour-Over Will is the quiet workhorse of many estate plans. It doesn’t get the spotlight, but it makes sure everything you own ends up where it’s supposed to – inside your Trust. Here’s how it works.
What’s an ILIT and Why Should You Care?
An ILIT (Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust) may sound intimidating, but it’s a powerful way to ensure your loved ones have liquid assets to cover expenses like mortgages, education, and estate taxes after your death. Without it, they might be forced to sell valuable assets at the wrong time. Life insurance held in an ILIT provides tax-free liquidity, preventing estate taxes from reducing the benefit.